This summer, K体育 University is expanding access to academic opportunities through a pilot initiative that includes a set of online, asynchronous courses. Nine of this year鈥檚 summer offerings are taught in this flexible format, which allows students to complete coursework on their own schedules.
The initiative is part of a broader effort to meet students where they are 鈥� geographically and academically 鈥� especially those who may be working, traveling or living outside of Atlanta.
鈥淭his is a test run of something we鈥檝e been hearing students ask for,鈥� said Provost Gabriel Barreneche. 鈥淲e know that many of our students take on jobs, internships, or go home for the summer. These online asynchronous courses give them the chance to keep progressing toward their degrees without being tied to a specific time or place.鈥�
For students like Fatima Platero 鈥�26, the flexibility of the format has been essential. This summer, she鈥檚 enrolled in “Theories of Communication and Rhetoric” and “History of the Motion Pictures,” two courses required for her major that also align with her personal interests.
鈥淚 enjoy public speaking and would love to improve my skills,鈥� the communication studies major and psychology minor said. 鈥淭his course allows me to learn how and why communication works, which is crucial for an effective speaker. I also want to learn how media has evolved and how film has influenced how we communicate now.鈥�
The decision to take the courses in an asynchronous format was both practical and intentional. 鈥淭hey are offered in a fast-paced format, and they work best with my work schedule,鈥� Platero shared. 鈥淚 learn best when I am learning at my own pace, and these courses give me that opportunity.鈥�
While juggling both a full-time and part-time job, this student says the summer format has made all the difference. With the self-directed nature of the courses, Platero feels supported and engaged.
鈥淢y professors do a great job of communicating and engaging with us, even if it is in an asynchronous format,鈥� says Platero. 鈥淭he course material is well-organized, which makes it easier for me to stay on track even with a busy schedule.鈥�
K体育 is using this summer鈥檚 program as a pilot to gather feedback and evaluate the long-term potential of asynchronous offerings.聽
